145 nations now recognize Palestinian state as Norway, Spain, and Ireland join

Norway, Spain, and Ireland officially recognized the state of Palestine on Tuesday (28 May), marking a significant shift from the long-held Western stance that Palestinian statehood should only be achieved through a negotiated peace agreement with Israel.

This coordinated effort by the three Western European nations aims to increase international pressure on Israel following last year’s Hamas-led attack.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, in a televised address from Madrid, described the decision as “historic,” emphasizing that its primary goal is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.

El Gobierno de España aprueba hoy el reconocimiento oficial del Estado de Palestina.

España se suma así a los más de 140 países que ya reconocen a Palestina.

Se trata de una decisión histórica que tiene un único objetivo: contribuir a que israelíes y palestinos alcancen la paz.… pic.twitter.com/sjG1gXyXN6

— Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) May 28, 2024

Israel condemned the diplomatic move, with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz accusing Sánchez’s government on social media platform X of being “complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”

חמינאי @khamenei_ir, סינוואר וסגנית רוה"מ ספרד @Yolanda_Diaz_ קוראים לחיסול מדינת ישראל ולהקמת מדינת טרור פלסטינית איסלאמית מהנהר ועד הים.

רוה"מ סנצ'ס @sanchezcastejon, כשאתה לא מפטר את הסגנית שלך ומכריז על הכרה במדינה פלסטינית – אתה שותף להסתה לרצח העם היהודי ולפשעי מלחמה.… pic.twitter.com/zffcJlQ7kD

— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) May 28, 2024

Despite the criticism, the recognition by Spain, Norway, and Ireland will not have an immediate impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

This latest recognition brings the number of United Nations member states acknowledging a Palestinian state to 145 out of 193.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people in a statement to lawmakers following his Cabinet’s formal approval of the decision.

The Palestinian flag was raised outside Leinster House, Ireland’s parliament, symbolizing the country’s support.

Harris emphasized the urgency of taking a stand, stating, “It is no longer enough just to condemn. It is no longer enough just to be repulsed. We must be on the right side of history.”

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A post shared by Simon Harris (@simonharristd)

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide echoed this sentiment, declaring the recognition of Palestine as a milestone in Norway-Palestine relations.

Eide highlighted Norway’s long-standing advocacy for a Palestinian state, calling the recognition a significant step in their 30-year support.

Norway’s recognition of #Palestine as a state today represents a milestone in Norwegian-Palestinian relations.

‘It was important to be able to present a formal document to Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa in person
– FM @EspenBarthEide https://t.co/UgxeT8jnQV

— Espen Barth Eide (@EspenBarthEide) May 28, 2024

Malta and Slovenia have expressed their “readiness” to recognize a Palestinian state when “the circumstances are right,” signalling a potential shift in European support for Palestinian statehood.

Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that Palestinian statehood is no longer “a taboo for France,” though he emphasized that it must be addressed at the “right moment.”

In 2014, Sweden became the first major Western European nation to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström explained that the decision was based on adherence to international law, stating that Palestine “met the criteria of international law.”

On 11 May 2024, 143 out of 193 United Nations General Assembly members voted in favour of a resolution to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Although Palestine currently holds non-member observer status, full UN membership can only be granted by the UN Security Council.

In April, the United States, a permanent member with veto power, blocked a draft resolution that would have recommended granting Palestine full membership.